How social media in China shapes eating disordersCEFR B1
15 Apr 2026
Adapted from Lina Ma, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Declan Sun, Unsplash
Social media in China has reshaped how eating disorders are discussed. On platforms such as Xiaohongshu, people use terms like "ED" and coded labels such as "ED 女" or "CT" (Cui Tu, induced vomiting) to form semi-hidden networks. In these spaces, extreme thinness is often presented as discipline and a source of belonging rather than a medical problem.
Searches show posts that track strict routines. Some users list daily intake with headlines such as "160 cm/33 kg" or "160/29 kg daily intake." Others post daily check-ins with weight and calories, for example "Day 12: 500 kcal, no carbs, stayed strong." Comment sections can praise restriction and encourage more loss.
Research reports that the number of Chinese teenagers with eating disorders has almost doubled in the past three decades. More recent studies find that more than 21 per cent of teenagers showed signs of eating disorders and more than 11 per cent had clinically significant symptoms. The highest risk is among females aged 15 to 19 from lower-income families and poorer regions. Researchers link the rise to pubertal development, greater social media exposure and body image concerns. Experts warn that removing content alone will not solve the problem and call for better support through schools, families and wider society.
Difficult words
- reshape — change the form or structure of somethingreshaped
- semi-hidden — partly hidden or not fully visible
- discipline — training to control behavior or habits
- restriction — a rule or limit on actions or intake
- symptom — a sign that shows a medical problem existssymptoms
- exposure — experience of something often through media
- support — help, care, or services for people in need
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could schools and families provide better support for teenagers with eating disorders?
- Why do you think social media posts and comments can encourage restriction and weight loss?
- What problems might happen if platforms only remove content without other support?
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